New green-fuel vessels need 4,000 trained engineers

The maritime industry's shift to alternative fuels — ammonia, methanol, and hydrogen — is creating an urgent need for new engineering talent. According to DNV estimates, the fleet will require at least 4,000 certified engineers to operate such systems by 2028.

Currently only 12 institutions worldwide offer certified training programmes for alternative fuel systems, most located in Norway, Japan, and South Korea.

The IMO, together with leading shipbuilding companies, is developing a unified international certification standard expected to be adopted by end of 2026. Engineers holding such certificates can expect a salary premium of 20–30%.